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Taishakuten, Taishaku (Skt: Indra)
Rules Abode of Trayastrimasha (Heaven of 33 Gods)


Mask of Taishakuten
Kyoto National Museum, Heian Period

Also called Sakradevanam Indra or Shakra Devanam Indra (Sanskrit). Positioned in Center. Buddhists in Tibet, China, and Japan have adopted Taishakuten (aka Indra, the Hindu god of war) as their guardian deity. In India, Indra was the ruler of the gods of the Veda. Not only was he the mightiest of gods, but also the god of storms, thunder, and war.

Once incorporated into Buddhism, Taishakuten becomes one of its greatest protectors. Said to live in the Palace of Correct Views (Zenkenjo in Japanese) located in the Trayastrimsha Heaven on the peak of Mt. Shumisen (Mt. Sumeru or Mt. Meru, the mythical home of the Historical Buddha, the center of the Buddhist universe). There he governs the other 32 gods of that heaven, and is served in particular by the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings). He is also known as the god of wealth in Japan.

Taishakuten defends both deities and humans against all that is evil. Able to revive those slain in battle, Taishakuten has attributes of both a creator and a sun god. In the Rig Veda are found more hymns to Indra's dedication than any other. In his home, he let no suffering or sorrow pass. At his court the Gandharva (Kendabba) entertained. Taishaku is, in some ways, similar to Zeus in Greek mythology.

In Japanese artwork, Taishakuten is often depicted riding an elephant. This reflects his Hindu origin, for in India an elephant serves as the mount of Indra. In India, Indra often rides an elephant with 33 heads and 33 tusks named Erawan (Airavata). In Buddhist traditions, this symbolizes the 33 gods of the Trayastrimsha Heaven. Erawan, however, is often depicted as a three-headed elephant in artwork. The elephant is also closely associated with Shaka Nyorai (the Historical Buddha). According to Buddhist mythology, when Shaka was 72 years old, his cousin and brother-in-law, the malevolent Devadatta, hoped to displace the Buddha and take over leadership of the Sangha (Buddhist community). Devadatta released an elephant maddened with alcohol upon the Buddha, but the elephant was struck by Shaka's spiritual power and fell prostrate before him. Some art historians claim this is the origin of the Semui-in Mudra (the "Fear Not" hand gesture) found commonly throughout Asia on statues of the Buddha. In other lore, Queen Maya, the mother of the Historical Buddha, dreamt of an elephant before giving birth to the Buddha. In his prior lives, it is said, the Buddha was once an elephant. Elephant symbolism is also found in Japanese artwork of Fugen Bosatsu, who is commonly depicted riding an elephant as described in the Lotus Sutra. See Fugen page for more. 

Left: Modern stone statue of Taishakuten, Hase Dera, Kamakura
 Right: Taishakuten, 9th Century, Toji Temple

Japanese Mantra for Taishakuten


 Sanskrit for Taishakuten -- ii

(L) Taishakuten, Clay w/gold leaf, Houryu-ji Temple, Nara Era 8th C.
 (R) Taishakuten, Wood with gold leaf, Heian Era 10th C., Houryuu-ji

More About Taishaku
Below text courtesy Sokka Gakkai USA
www.sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Buddhism/defn.htm#T
Taishakuten is one of the two main tutelary gods of Buddhism, together with Bonten. He is also one of the Juniten, or Twelve Devas, said to protect the world. Originally the god of thunder in Indian mythology, he was later incorporated into Buddhism as a protective deity. He lives in a palace called Correct Views (Jap. Zenkenjo) or Joyful to See (Kikenjo) in the Trayastrimsha Heaven on the peak of Mt. Sumeru and, served by the Four Heavenly Kings, governs the other thirty-two gods of that heaven. While Shakyamuni was engaged in bodhisattva practice, Taishaku is said to have assumed various forms to test his resolve. According to the Jo (first) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, he joined the assembly on Eagle Peak, accompanied by twenty thousand retainers, to hear the Historical Buddha speak. 

LEARN MORE

• Shitenno, 4 Heavenly Kings Commanded by Taishakuten
  Also see the individual pages of the four.
  Jikokuten | Zouchoten | Koumokuten | Tamonten
   
• The Shitenno are also associated with the four legendary creatures of Chinese mythology. See Shijin for more on these four creatures.

• The Great Mandala (Gohonzon) Study Group
  www.gakkaionline.net/mandala/4Kings.html
   
• Wonderful Site for Textual Info on Buddhism
  campross.crosswinds.net/ShuteiMandala/4kings.html
  Excerpt: "They appear in the ceremony of the Lotus Sutra with their ten thousand retainer gods; in the "Dharani" (26th chapter), Bishamonten and Jikokuten pledge on behalf of all four to protect those who embrace the Lotus Sutra."
   
• Nara National Museum - Japanese Language Only
  http://www.narahaku.go.jp/meihin/
  Wonderful photos of various deities
   
• Kyoto National Museum
  http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/meihin/mhind3e.htm
   
• Above Sanskrit Characters Courtesy of: (Japanese language site)
  http://www.tctv.ne.jp/tobifudo/butuzo/hotoke/hotokes.html
   
• Japanese Language Pages about Shitenno
  www.tctv.ne.jp/tobifudo/bonzisyo/set/4ten.html
   
• Diagram of Mt. Sumeru
  The Buddhist Realm (Japanese language only)
  www.tctv.ne.jp/tobifudo/HandS/tango/3000sekai/3senseksai.html
   
• In Japanese mandala, the four Shitenno guardians are typically shown, from the top, starting with the Eastern Guardian. Thus, the typical order is Jikokuten (East), Zouchoten (South), Komokuten (West), and Tamonten (North). 

Copyright Mark Schumacher. Email Mark.
All stories and photos, unless specified otherwise, by Mark
www.onmarkproductions.com